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As fighters complete weigh-in, Hopkins-Kovalev is all set

Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev complete formality of weigh-in as they get set for unification bout tonight.

ATLANTIC CITY - Bernard Hopkins stared straight ahead with an intense glare, Sergey Kovalev smiled, laughed and offered a few words, and the stage was officially set for tonight's much-anticipated light heavyweight unification bout.

Both boxers, as expected, checked in under 175 pounds in yesterday's weigh-in at Caesars: Hopkins, 49, was 173.5 pounds, while Kovalev, 31, was 174.5 pounds.

Kovalev entered the room with his red WBO belt wrapped around his waist. Following the customary staredown, Hopkins donned a black Smokin' Joe Frazier T-shirt.

Boardwalk Hall doors open tonight at 5 p.m., with the first fight set for 5:15. HBO's telecast begins at 10:45 p.m., with the scheduled 10-round welterweight title fight between 2008 U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali (20-0, 12 KOs) and Luis Carlos Abregu (36-1, 29 KOs) preceding Hopkins/Kovalev. The main event likely will start between 11:30 and midnight.